221 Fd Sqn raise funds to build sensory room for local boy

Every year in memory of Sapper William Blanchard, who was killed in Afghanistan, 221 Fd Sqn conduct a charity event and donate the money raised to a good cause. This year they chose a 7-year old boy called JJ who suffers with global development delay and severe autism. After leaving the forces, his parents Dan and Kellie wanted to ensure JJ had the best start and longed to build him a sensory room. Sadly, the pair were duped, and JJ’s dream of a new sensory space was ruined.

This year’s challenge was to get back those funds! 221 Fd Sqn hosted a day of fitness with guest instructors from all over London. The instructors taught Boogie Bounce, Yoga, Spartan, Insanity and Boxercise and more! Another day of fun was held at Hudson House in which all of the money collected from burgers, raffle prizes and drinks, went towards JJ’s Sensory room!

Altogether, the team managed to raise an amazing £5650! We are so pleased that so many of you could help make a difference- JJ’s family are blown away by the amount of generosity they’ve received! An incredible effort from 221 Fd Sqn, they’ve really helped make a difference to change this family’s life!

Meet JJ

JJ is 7 years old, he has severe Autism and severe global development delay (so developmentally he is about 18 months old). In addition he is also visually impaired, hypotonia, nonverbal, incontinent, sensory processing disorder and has sleep issues. JJ needs to have certain things in his sensory room like bubble tube and padded walls (as he bangs his head against the wall), a ball pool and stimulation equipment to help keep him calm.

The senory room is vital to JJ's health and wellbeing, it will create a safe and happy environment for him to develop the best he can!